Short summary of case: 23-year old Belarusian activist, Dzmitry Paliyenka, is serving a two-year prison sentence for peacefully opposing restrictions on cyclists after being found guilty, in October 2016, of “violence or threat of violence against an employee of law enforcement agencies” and “production and distribution of pornographic materials or items of pornographic character”. Since his arrival in prison in April 2017, Amnesty International has received consistent reports that Dzmitry Paliyenka has been singled out by the prison authorities and subject to harsh treatment. He is spending 10 days each month in solitary confinement and has had his monthly spending allowance cut by one third.

Mail posted to him is being withheld and some of his letters are not being sent. Dzmitry Paliyenka is a prisoner of conscience and must be immediately and unconditionally released.

Why now?

It’s Dzmitry’s 24th birthday on 26 May! Let’s try and get him the gift of freedom.

Appeal and target

Urge the Prosecutor General to immediately and unconditionally release Dzmitry Paliyenka as he is a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and assembly.